Happy Holy Days! In honor of the season I wanted to introduce my favorite essential oil, (don't tell the others) Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
The documented use of Frankincense goes back thousands of years...
"And when they were come into the house they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." --Matthew 2:11*
After learning about Frankincense and Myrrh from a scientific viewpoint, I have taken on the theory that these oils were for the mother as they aid in after birth administrations, analgesic and anti-anxiety. Frankincense is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to skin, undiluted. As well it can be put in the mouth undiluted. (Please research before putting in your mouth.) In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks and cosmetics.
I use Boswellia carteri from Somolia. Frankincense is traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and stress. "Frank" is also ..."used medicinally in the East and West for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections, skin diseases as well as digestive and nervous complaints."**
Frankincense is the resin from a tree that is native to the Horn of Africa, Nubia.
I use frankincense in the biome Super Cell™ PM Intensive Repair Serum. As well as in the DOG Relax and Calm Eau de Toilette. I find this sacred essential oil is multi-purposed, works well with other oils such as Myrrh, Lavender, Geranium, Citrus oils, Sandalwood and Cinnamon.
Frankincense has the effect similar to meditation. It deepens the breathing and assists in a state of relaxation.
If you want to experiment with Frankincense it's easy:
4 oz of favorite base oil-- such as fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed, jojoba, etc.
10-20 drops of Frankincense.
Experiment by adding another essential oil that you think would blend nicely. If you are adding another oil start with 10 drops of each first. Let it sit for an hour and then re-smell. This is how simple it is to make your own body oil/massage oil. By using essential oils you not only receive the benefit through the olfactory system (smell) but also the skin absorbs essential oils. They love each other!
I look forward to introducing more information about the uses of oils and how beautiful they are when added to our every day life. Remember....most essential oils are not to be ingested orally or put directly on skin. Be sure to research fully before making those decisions.
Blessings! Until next time....Amy
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle
References: *Minetor, Randi, Essential Oils of the Bible, 2016
**Lawless, Julia, The Illustrated Encyclopeda of Essential Oils, 1995